The arrival of Mr. Brooks makes quite a difference in the house. I live a sort of negative life this winter which I cannot much reconcile myself to, but in time I hope that I shall not feel so much its disagreeableness. Continued Emilia Galotti and then went to the Office.

Received from my father the annual Treasury report and commenced a series of strictures upon it which I pursued with such ardor that I neglected every thing else. I broke off with the intention of re-37suming after a walk at home. But it was a bitterly cold day and on getting home my fingers would not hold a pen. I sat down to the luxury of Ovid. After dinner the fever was utterly gone and my plan was at an end. Thus it is with me now. Utterly discouraged. I find nobody that thinks as I do or appears to feel any sympathy with or for me. And if it was not that I had this record to communicate my feelings to, they would make me tolerably unhappy.

I did little. Arranged a few papers and read Mrs. Jameson whose book amuses me. Miss Henrietta Gray did not return home on account of the cold. In the evening Mr. R. D. Tucker and Mr. Davis came in, and we had an agreeable evening. The latter is amusing as usual. After a slight supper I had time enough to finish Emilia Galotti with which I have been much pleased.